This phrase refers to a crossword clue the place the reply describes a sports activities competitor who needs a much less energetic position, sometimes a substitute participant. A possible reply could be “reserve” or a synonym. The clue makes use of the distinction between an athlete’s presumed want for energetic participation and the fact of being a benchwarmer, including a layer of wordplay and misdirection.
Such clues exhibit the cleverness and complexity achievable inside the constraints of crossword puzzle development. They require solvers to assume past literal meanings and contemplate the nuances of language and sporting contexts. This type of wordplay contributes to the enduring reputation of crosswords as a psychological train that sharpens vocabulary, improves problem-solving expertise, and presents an interesting type of leisure.
